Threaded vs. Slip

[Slickbaby]

Hey guys,

I'm about to plumb up my 180gal tank, and I was curious as to what the pros and cons were of threaded PVC to Slip PVC and which is perferred by those DIY'ers out there...

- Threaded is more expensive than slip
- Threaded can be reused, slip can not

What else? Leaks? Micro Bubble issues?

 

[outy]

your choice, for your needs

i use both depending on what im working on this week

 

[Pbrown3701]

yeah, i use threaded on things like pumps (obviously) but slip on everything else. If you use plenty of cement on a slip, you'll have no problems.

 

[jmccalip]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7884993#post7884993 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Pbrown3701
yeah, i use threaded on things like pumps (obviously) but slip on everything else. If you use plenty of cement on a slip, you'll have no problems.

Same. I love slip fittings, no leaks, ever,

 

[BeanAnimal]

Small threaded fittings are not usually very good well made and can be prone to small leaks.

If you use threaded PVC, first tighten the joint by hand, counting the number of turns. Take it apart, put 1 or 2 wraps of PTFE on the male side and then put the joint together going 1/5 to 2 turns past what you counted. Further tightening the joint can cause the female fitting to split (now or down the road).

SLIP is more common and much easier to work with if you take a moment to learn how to glue a joint.
ALWAYS debur and bevel the edge of the cut pipe. Jagged edges can gouge the fitting during assemply and create weak spots or leaks.

ALWAYS use PRIMER on both the male and female parts.

NEVER let the primer dry before you put the cement on.

CEMENT both sides of the joint.

PRESS the pieces together (giving a quarter turn for anything less than 2")

HOLD the joint for 20 seconds or so or it will push apart (the sockets are tapered)

WIPE off the excess glue (otherwise it will soften and weaken the unglued portion of the pipe).

Bean

 

[kimoyo]

Sorry to sidetrack,

Bean, your mailbox was full.

Would you please give your opinion in this thread, http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=898935&perpage=25&pagenumber=3.

Thanks.

 

[Slickbaby]

I have used all threaded in the past on other tanks, but like you guys said, they have had small leaks. On my main display tank I was going to use slip stuff, but due to its permanent like nature (aside from using unions everywhere) I thought I'd see what other people are doing.


For those of you running closed loop systems, are your bulkheads threaded or slip? Or does that depend as well?

 

[BeanAnimal]

If you use threaded BHs... buy the heavy duty ones so they don't split

 

[Cuby2k]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7886835#post7886835 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BeanAnimal
If you use threaded BHs... buy the heavy duty ones so they don't split

Ah my friend, they do split. I for one love using thread tape and it permits some very nice bottoming out of the threaded fitting.

In my new 180 I bought some expensive schedule 80 gray plastic heavy duty bulkheads for the bottom holes. It had a female threaded fitting and I split it open installing a threaded nipple.

I was pretty bummed. Just get the best you can get and don't muscle the heck out of it thinking it will stop all leaks. That's pretty tough to decipher I know. My dad used to tell me when working on cars that you want the bolt/nut whatever, TIGHT but not too TIGHT. What? I miss that old guy by the way, so many things I'd like to share with him.

 

[BeanAnimal]

AS I mentioned.... dry thread it and count the number of turns to tight. Thread tape it with PTFE and then tigthen the same number of turns plus 1.5 or 2.

The thread tapes lubricity will allow you to turn it way too deep.

The other alternative is to use teflon pipe dope (still using the DRY+2 turns).

When I have the option I use SLIP... The joints look cleaner, are easier to seal and the fittings don't split.

Bean

 

[Cuby2k]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7887113#post7887113 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BeanAnimal
AS I mentioned.... dry thread it and count the number of turns to tight. Thread tape it with PTFE and then tigthen the same number of turns plus 1.5 or 2.

When I have the option I use SLIP... The joints look cleaner, are easier to seal and the fittings don't split.

Bean

I missed that, good advice.

I am in full agreement about slip whenever you can. After installing underground sprinkling systems for umpteen friends, relatives, girl friends and my own, I have found glued slip fittings to be very thorough and very forgiving. Just count on wasting it if you have to remodel which is not a big deal.

Just for giggles I found the picture of my gorilla work on a bottom bulkhead.

 

[Slickbaby]

Hmm very helpful!

Thanx guys!